Poem: Build Soil by Robert Frost  Statement of the Whole:  We just let a nice long poem speak for itself.  Jason and Steve split duties reading this Robert Frost poem without a whole lot else to say.  It has nothing and everything … Continue reading →

Poem: “There was a little girl” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow  Statement of the Whole:  There can be no doubt that modern education deals in the currency of grades.  But how far down that road does the homeschool teacher need to … Continue reading →

Poem:  Game Show Host, by Mark Evan Johnston (First Stanza)  Statement of the Whole: Metaphor can help understanding.  In this episode, Jason and Steve extend out the metaphor of a game show as it applies to the classroom and learning.  In … Continue reading →

Poem: None!  Can you believe it?  Jason has been slacking.  Statement of the Whole: Metaphor can help understanding.  In this episode, Jason and Steve extend out the metaphor of a game show as it applies to the classroom and learning.  In particular, … Continue reading →

The compulsory schooling issue  Poem: Something For Hope, by Robert Frost  Statement of the Whole:    The common notion is that a democracy demands a well educated populace, thus all American kids must go to school.  Given that they won’t show up on their own, … Continue reading →

“Last Episode of Season One!”  Poem:  The Strong Are Saying Nothing, by Robert Frost Statement of the Whole: A whole year of Backporch Episodes has passed!  As they end their first season of education podcasting, Steve and Jason look back so they can … Continue reading →

“The Four Skills Discussion”  Poem: “Listening” by D.H. Lawrence  Statement of the Whole:  In educational world that seems so complex, is there a way to boil it all down to a bare minimum?  Steve and Jason discuss the basics of education, … Continue reading →

Poem: None!  Can you believe it?  Jason skipped the poem, this discuss was so exciting.  Statement of the Whole:  In a world swimming with books and information, Jason and Steve take an episode from time to time to highlight a great reading on education.  … Continue reading →

The “Off with a Bang” Session  Poem: “In Memoriam AHH” By Alfred Lord Tennyson, the intro part  A blog that might be helpful from Steve: Starting a New Year of School

Poem: How Wonderful by Irving Feldman  Statement of the Whole: In this episode we look at a film that reflects on teaching.  Is there redemptive value in the teacher/student relationship?  Can education bring together people who have almost nothing in common?  What … Continue reading →